Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA beat France for the gold medal in the Olympic final

/0 Comments/in , /by

Victor Wembanyama and Guerschon Yabusele carried France as long as possible, but Team USA defeated them in the Olympic final to claim its fifth straight gold medal. Anthony Davis was the top big man of the game, blowing up actions and buying extra possessions. And Stephen Curry lit up the defense with eight long-range strikes and put the match out of reach.

 

Early, France deployed a zone defensively, and Wembanyama uncorked their offense by canning a left-side catch-and-shoot bomb, dunking in transition after losing Joel Embiid at the top of the key on a hesitation move and posting him up for a nice maneuver off the glass.

 

In that span, the Americans reacted with LeBron James’ fastbreak jam, a layup by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant pouring in a triple.

 

Wembanyama sat after five minutes, and Gobert checked in for him. France’s offense stalled until the former came back in at the last two minutes, giving them a twin towers lineup.

 

The first quarter closed with Team USA ahead 20-15.

 

The Americans followed up in the second quarter with a feast in the open court. James had multiple marks, including a spin through the lane past various defenders for an and-one. Davis denied Isaïa Cordinier’s top-of-the-key triple and beat everyone down the court for the basket. Jayson Tatum dunked against none. And Curry connected on a quick corner three as Wemby closed out.

 

But the other side kept it close. Guerschon Yabusele broke down interior defenses- his signature moment was demolishing James, who tried to take a charge on a shattering dunk. Wembanyama slowed down but added a putback, layup and slam. And Cordinier splashed an outrageous, bank-shot triple on the right side.

 

Team USA was up 49-41 at halftime, shooting 50% from the field, including 45% from deep (nine of 20). Booker had 13 points on five of seven looks.

 

France recorded three of 16 3-point attempts but made 64% of two-point shots.

 

Subsequently, Team USA drained three of four 3-pointers and tallied three buckets at close range. But they got sloppy.

 

On the other side, Wembanyama scored on a left-side pick-and-roll set with Cordinier, had a putback and swished a catch-and-release left-wing tray.  Yabusele made a jumper and two freebies. And Nando de Colo added six points, including the fastbreak layup to end the frame.

 

The fourth quarter started with Team USA up 72-66.

 

France kept it within striking distance as De Colo scored on the pick-and-roll set with Wembanyama in crunch time. With a six-point lead and fewer than two minutes left, Curry put the game closed, hitting a catch-and-shoot triple up top.

 

Team USA won 98-87, shooting 53.7% from the field, including 50% from deep. The double-digit scorers were Curry (24), Booker (15), Durant (15) and James (14).

 

Wembanyama (26), Yabusele (20) and De Colo (12) were France’s double-digit scorers.

 

Curry handled the on-court interview. He said, “This was a test [with] France in their home building (Bercy Arena) They threw everything at us…”

 

Further comment:

 

Durant became the first player to win four Olympic gold medals in basketball, further cementing himself as one of the greats of his generation.

 

Davis was a defensive powerhouse, putting up four of the squad’s six blocks. His work guarding opponents throughout the tournament was top-tier, too.

—

For more info on the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off The Floor.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA came back from a large deficit and outlasted Serbia to advance to gold medal game

/0 Comments/in , /by

Steph Curry’s output and shooting tricks, plus Joel Embiid’s late surge, saved Team USA, preventing humiliation and a trip to the bronze medal game. Team USA has a date on Saturday with France to compete for the gold medal.

 

The first five minutes were an unyielding fireworks display, but the Serbs’ switching defense prevailed first, closing the quarter ahead by eight digits. Then they raced off to a 17-point advantage as six minutes remained at the half. 

 

The cause? Wack 3-point protection, Jokić‘s passing carved up doubles, and the Americans went soft on the glass.

 

Subsequently, the Americans countered with Curry Embiid and James’ deep shooting, slicing the deficit to 43-54 heading into intermission. 

 

At that point, Curry had 20 marks on 70% accuracy. The rest of Team USA logged eight of 21 shots. 

 

The Serbians followed up, converting seven of 16 attempts in the third quarter, finding success running the offense through Jokić on post ups and two-man actions. 

 

Midway through the frame, the Americans cut the score to 59-65 on Jrue Holiday’s 3-pointer set up by Curry. Yet, their counterparts retaliated with a 10-4 run to end the period. 

 

Team USA didn’t step up until the fourth quarter. There, Embiid scored seven straight points via jumpers in transition, plus at mid and close range in the half-court to cut the deficit to two. Next, James tied the match on a transition layup.

 

On the next possession, Jokić connected with Filip Petrušev, cutting on the baseline for a dunk as he was doubled by Kevin Durant and James in the middle.

 

Team USA closed the match with Curry flaring to the top of the key for a rattling trifecta plus scoring on the break. James finished a transition layup. And as Bogdan Bogdanović dribbled up court, Durant guarded him and forced a backcourt violation. 

 

Defensively, Team USA’s defense permitted zero of nine 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as its help defense cranked up. Serbia had made 15 of 30 triples through three quarters.

 

Team USA won 95-91, making 57.4% of field goals, including half from deep. Twenty-eight points were scored in the paint.

 

Additionally, LeBron James had 16 points on six of nine looks, with 12 rebounds and 10 dimes. Curry had 36 marks on 63% accuracy, with eight rebounds and two assists. And Embiid had 19 points on eight of 11 attempts, with four rebounds and two assists.

 

The players celebrated at mid-court and embraced for a postgame huddle led by James. 

 

James handled the on-court interview. When asked about starting the fourth quarter down 13 points, he said, “Gotta get it the hard way…Kudos to Serbia, but we came through. Chef Curry [had] a vintage Chef Curry game. Joel [Embiid] was big-time for us. We needed it.”

 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA bodied Brazil, reaching the next round

/0 Comments/in , /by

Team USA eliminated Brazil to open the knockout round. Joel Embiid got anything he wanted. LeBron James dissected coverages with nine helpings. And the defense overwhelmed most actions.

 

Brazil was toyed with in the first frame as Devin Booker and Embiid combined for 17 points. The former nailed a layup, 3-pointer and four-point play. The latter converted a hook over multiple defenders and canned two trays. And the group deployed full-court press with Holiday and had James in the back as the low man in the half court with others switching around him. 

 

Through 12 minutes, the Stars and Stripes were ahead 33-21.

 

But Brazil briefly came stomping back as Team USA’s urgency waned. Marcelo Huertas downed a transition stop-and-pop triple at the top, shot the middle over Embiid in drop coverage and created an overreaction, exposing Lucas Dias in the corner for a 3-pointer that cut the lead to eight points with four minutes left in the first half. 

 

The counter was Steph Curry’s three freebies and Embiid’s trailing transition triple, pushing the advantage back to 14 digits. For Brazil, it was as if a boxer suffered a kidney strike that dropped them. Next, the Americans detonated, logging six of seven attempts to close the interval.

 

Team USA was up 63-36 at halftime, leading on the glass by 13, shooting 59% from the field, including 50% from deep. The bench had 17 marks.

 

Brazil was permitted 34.2% of hoisted field goals, counting 27.8% from 3-point range. 

 

The next half wasn’t close. 

 

Adebayo started the second half for Embiid. He switched everywhere on defense and opened avenues for his teammates with screens. Booker poured in three 3-pointers.  And Durant plus Anthony Davis took over off the bench, dropping jumpers and dunks.

 

The fourth quarter started with the Americans up 94-71. Nothing Brazil tried worked and they soon bent the knee.

 

Team USA won 122-87, outrebounding its rival by 12 and forcing four extra turnovers. On top of that, the squad registered 57.7% of looks, including 48.4% from deep. The group’s double-digit scorers were Booker (18), Anthony Edwards (17), Embiid (14), Davis (13), James (12) and Durant (11).

 

Booker handled the on-court interview and was asked about the team’s defense. He said, “We all have to do a little bit more than we’re used to. That’s what the team needs. It’s been working for us…”

 

Team USA advances to the next round to play Serbia. 

 

Further comment

 

Durant passed Lisa Leslie for most points in Team USA Olympic basketball history. At age 35 and approaching his 18th NBA season, he is still one of the hardest covers in the world. Pity those who missed him. 

 

Booker’s adaptability is one of Team USA’s top assets. He keeps the ball moving, plays well on defense, and doesn’t get trigger-happy. 

—

Subscribe to Off The Floor for more info on the Miami Heat

 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA vaporized Puerto Rico

/2 Comments/in /by

It was the end of the line for Puerto Rico, but its squad emptied the clip by the second quarter. The last two-and-a-half frames were a bludgeoning- as if a heavyweight pummeled a rival half their size- propelling Team USA to the knockout round. 

 

Early, the United States committed three turnovers, and its defense malfunctioned, even after swapping all five starters for Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis. Team USA then conceded a putback and two 3-pointers—one in transition and another against AD in drop coverage—giving Puerto Rico an eight-point lead. 

 

Coach Steve Kerr called a stop, summoned his troops and replaced no one. Defensively, they countered by forcing Puerto Rico into contested long jumpers and swiping passes. On offense, Edwards drained a long two over Christopher Ortiz on the left side, made a pull-up jumper inside the key and raced in a bucket from Team USA territory in the last six seconds through multiple protectors. Adebayo helped out by dunking off a pick-and-roll set with KD.  

 

The first quarter ended with Team USA down 25-29.

 

Next, the Americans recaptured the lead as Davis jammed in the open court and Durant nailed a second-chance 3-pointer from up top. An offensive bombardment followed as the group closed the half on a 33-16 spree.  

 

At halftime, the United States was ahead 64-45 and had six players logging at least three baskets. Its bench totaled 27 points on 59% accuracy. 

 

Puerto Rico’s bench had 16 first-half marks and was held to four of 16 trays. 

 

Subsequently, Team USA flexed its might, and Puerto Rico looked like a wounded warrior in the ring with its guard down. The most memorable moment of the quarter belonged to LeBron James. He blocked Ismael Romero’s shot in the paint, initiated the break and punched in a dunk. 

 

The match was already decided when the fourth quarter started. Yet, Edwards opened the sequence on a seven-point flurry, stealing the rock and finishing a windmill dunk, breaking down the left side for a layup and swishing a tray.

 

Team USA won 104-83. The squad registered 49% of attempts, including 28.1% from deep. 

 

Edwards had 26 points on 11 of 15 attempts, with three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two turnovers. The other double-digit scorers were Joel Embiid (15), Jayson Tatum (10), Durant (11), James (10) and Davis (10).

 

Puerto Rico’s double digit scorers were Jose Alvarado (18), Romero (12) and Aleem Ford (10).

 

Edwards handled the on-court interview. He was asked about the team deferring to him in the third quarter. He said, “The fact that [Durant], [James] and [Curry] were letting me put on a show, shows a lot, shows their character. They want to do anything to win the game.”

 

Further comment: Is Adebayo ready for 1A status?

 

Bam Adebayo caught the public’s attention in the previous match vs South Sudan. He supplied 18 marks on 80% shooting, with seven rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and he notably made two threes. After the game, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said the Miami Heat “need to give the keys to Bam Adebayo.”

 

Eventually he’ll have them. But Adebayo is not ready because he cannot create his shot like Jimmy Butler. Last season, 57.3% of Adebayo’s two-point baskets were assisted. Only 45.2% of Butler’s twos came with help. 

 

Adebayo’s position is a factor because big men are like wide receivers, dependent on playmakers getting them the ball. Still, he isn’t at the level of being a go-to scorer because his post moves aren’t sharp enough, and most of his baskets come from rim rolls or mid-range jumpers. 

 

In fact, Adebayo took 292 more jumpers than layups last year. This is noteworthy because taking more shots away from the rim makes it harder to draw contact. He attempted 5.5 free throws nightly. The 2023-24 campaign was a down one for Butler, and he still hoisted 7.7 freebies per contest. 

 

Someday, #13 will be the top dog on offense, but he’s still a bit away. 

—

For more insights on the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off The Floor.

How The Marlins Got it Right at the 2024 Trade Deadline

/1 Comment/in , /by

 

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Miami Marlins have just dealt (most of) the proven major league talent they have on the roster for prospects, once again sending out the billowing smoke of a fire sale from Loan Depot Park.

 

Names like Jazz Chisholm, Jr., Tanner Scott, Trevor Rogers, A.J. Puk, Bryan De La Cruz, and earlier in the season- Luis Arraez, four former all-stars and two regular big league contributors in recent years, were sent off to greener pastures in return for yet another influx of prospects, a tale as old as time in Marlins land.

 

Understandably, this has been met with groans from a fanbase for which this act has become something of a ritual throughout the Marlins history, in 1998, the Marlins famously-or infamously, rather, blew up the core of a world series winning team in 1997 that seemingly had a window for contention that stretched well into the 2000s, follow this up with fire sales from 04-05, 2012, 2017-2019, and now once again in 2024, and it’s easy to see why the base would be apprehensive of yet another rebuild. 

 

However, this is a new front office, and as unpopular a sentiment as it is to express: This rebuild MUST be separated from the others, for two key reasons: 1) This roster was not expensive enough to blow up for financial reasons in the first place, and 2) This roster was not good enough, nor did the Marlins have enough reinforcements on the way in terms of minor league talent to win in the short, or even intermediate terms. 

 

So, for their trouble, how did the Marlins do at this year’s deadline? 

 

Well, according to industry experts at least, very, very well. Publications all around from The Ringer, to CBS Sports, to The Athletic, USA Today, and more all lauded Peter Bendix and the front office for their work on Tuesday.

 

 Now, that is far from a guarantee of success, but it paints a starkly different picture than the doom and gloom being expressed throughout South Florida from Marlins fans and casual observers alike.

 

I can already hear the furious typing that the Marlins won’t see these players for years and that this means that the Marlins are doomed to a protracted 5 year rebuilding project, and to that I say: not necessarily, when looking at the prospect hauls in these deals, one common thread emerges, much of the top end talent acquired at this deadline is major league ready, or close to it. 

 

Of the 14 prospects acquired at the trade deadline, eight are at AA or better with one (Kyle Stowers) assigned to the MLB roster and in the lineup Tuesday in Tampa. 

 

This is a Marlins team that knows the pitching that it has waiting in the wings (Sandy Alcantara, Jesus Luzardo, Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett, Ryan Weathers) on the injured list, and they have carried themselves like it, adding at least four players who will be competing for spots on this team as early as next season, with potential MLB call-ups to come in the next couple of months for the likes of Connor Norby, Deyvison De Los Santos, and Agustin Ramirez, the Marlins newly minted 5th, 6th, and 7th ranked prospects respectively, according to MLB pipeline. 

 

So, while it remains to be seen how this deadline has actually worked out for the on-field product in 2024 and beyond, the Marlins are set to get to the work of fielding a competitive big league club sooner, rather than later.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Team USA vanquished South Sudan

/0 Comments/in , /by

Kevin Durant and Bam Adebayo applied the pressure on offense. Jayson Tatum started over Joel Embiid and played an impactful 17 minutes after being a benchwarmer against Serbia. And Team USA strangled its rivals, conceding 42.1% of field goal attempts.

 

Early, LeBron James dictated matters, cutting up the baseline for a dunk, nailing a fallaway jumper through traffic, and scoring in the open court.

 

Defensively, Team USA gave the South Sudanese fits after allowing a seven-point burst. Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday slowed down the ball. Anthony Davis and Derrick White had denials in the backline, plus the latter stole the ball in the open court. Adebayo stripped the ball inside the key. And Anthony Edwards looted the rock in South Sudanese territory, resulting in a baseline floater for Adebayo. 

 

Through 10 minutes, the Americans led 26-14. The onslaught continued through the second frame as Tyrese Halliburton sprayed multiple trays, and Adebayo canned two-3-pointers and logged three dunks. They shot 54.3% from the field, including 43.8% from deep, with 40 digits coming from the reserves, and had 17 assists to five turnovers. Additionally, one trip for South Sudan to the line was authorized.

 

The South Sudanese converted 36.6% of attempts, 35.7% from long distance and totaled five bench points in the first half. 

 

Out of the break, South Sudan went on a 10-5 run to cut their deficit to 14 in the first few minutes, causing coach Steve Kerr to call a timeout and sub out five players. He inserted  White, Adebayo, Holiday, Edwards and Durant. Then White got screened from his blindside on the next play, putting him face first on the ground as Team USA gave up another tray.

 

Subsequently, the offense shot itself out of the mud with a new group. Edwards connected on a 3-pointer and buried three freebies. Adebayo slammed a lob through the middle on a pick-and-roll set. And White swished his third trifecta. 

 

The fourth quarter began with Team USA up 73-57.

 

Team USA suffered an 8-0 South Sudan run, cutting their advantage to nine marks partly because Anthony Davis was called for a suspect foul. But the Americans responded with a score by Stephen Curry, a catch-and-shoot bomb from Durant, an and-one layup by Booker, and a Davis rim roll to push the lead back to 19 marks.

 

The rest of the match was a formality. Team USA won 103-86, recording 52.9% of tries, 43.3% from 3-point range and 66 bench points.

 

Adebayo had 18 points on eight of 10 looks, with seven rebounds, one dime, one steal, two denials and two turnovers. Durant put up 14 marks on 40% shooting, making eight of nine freebies and registering two rebounds, three assists, three steals and a turnover. The other double-digit scorers were Edwards (13), James (12), Booker (10) and White (10).

 

For South Sudan, Nuni Omot logged 24 points on eight of 12 ventures, with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Carlik Jones had 18 points on 42.1% accuracy, with three rebounds, seven assists, two steals and four turnovers. The other double-digit scorers were Bul Kuol (16) and Marial Shayok (12).

Adebayo handled the on-court interview. He said, “I’m not here to get 20 shots up. But when I’m open, shoot it.”

The United States is 2-0 in Group C.

 

Further comment:

 

The outrage regarding Tatum’s benching against Serbia was a non-story that was pushed as “disrespectful” by half-wits. James and Durant are the heavies on Team USA, and everyone else falls in line. Someone important will be left out each game, and against South Sudan, it was the former MVP, Embiid, for matchup reasons.

 

Assistant coach Erik Spoelstra must’ve been salivating as Adebayo drained two open threes. If that shot is a part of his arsenal, Miami’s center will take a significant leap next season (2024-25) on offense.

—

For more insights on the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off The Floor.



Physicality needs to become part of 2024 Miami Dolphins M.O.

/1 Comment/in , /by

For the past two seasons, if there was one word you could use to define the Miami Dolphins, it would be “lightning.” Their players on both sides of the ball are lightning fast, they are a lightning rod for media talking points and controversy, one could even say that they’ve captured lightning in a bottle when their offense is running on all cylinders. But the easiest counterpoint to all that is Miami’s apparent lack of physicality. Where’s the thunder to go with the lightning?

Physicality is not just a trait, it’s a mindset. One that a team either has, or it doesn’t. In 2023, as fun as it was to watch the Dolphins overwhelm unprepared opponents with their speed and timing, more typically physical teams were usually their weakness. That lack of physicality on their part soon spread and gave Miami a reputation that they wouldn’t shake all year long.

Now, with head coach Mike McDaniel in his third year as head coach, and the entire team backing newly-paid franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa, they’re looking to finally change the narrative and add some physicality to their game. Some thunder to go with their lightning.

“New guys like myself pride ourselves on being physical, and I think of any great defense, you have to be physical.” Linebacker Jordyn Brooks said on Tuesday. “We want to be feared and so right now, we’re in the process of doing that. Not everyday is going to be perfect, but that’s why we got the pads on working in the heat and just emphasizing it day after day until we get to the point where we feel like we’re the bullies on the team.”

But physicality is more than just being big and strong, it’s about mental toughness as well. No one has a better idea of what that’s like than veteran safety Jordan Poyer, who joined the Dolphins this offseason after spending his entire career to date with the Buffalo Bills, the team that has spent more time pushing Miami around than any other these past several years.

“I think just sharing the experience.” Poyer said on July 23rd. “Like I said, playing against this team over the past few years, you kind of get a sense of, ‘OK, if you get on top of this team, they might fold.’ And there are some teams that are – this is just being honest, so what is that that happens in those moments where we get hit in the mouth? What happens in those moments so we’re like, ‘Hey, we’re good. Let’s bounce back. We’re good. It’s a 60-minute game, it’s a long game.’ I’ve been in games where I’ve been up 24 points and end up losing. I’ve been in games where we’ve been down 21 points and end up winning. So it’s just continuing to just play, play the game.”

To be clear, Poyer gains nothing by admitting this. He is merely stating that the perception of the Miami Dolphins outside of the bubble of team fandom, is that Buffalo – and others most likely – saw Miami as dangerous but vulnerable to being pushed around. That is a problem that cannot repeat itself in 2024.

So far, Miami is showing they’ve made changes to how much physicality they have. Only when the season begins will we learn if it truly pays off.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Kevin Durant and LeBron James- The Equalizers

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Stars and Stripes dismantled Serbia after a shaky start. Nikola Jokić was the heartbeat of his country and outplayed every American big man. But Kevin Durant erupted off the bench for 23 points, and LeBron James nearly had a triple-double, leading Team USA to its first victory in the group stage. 

Yet, early, the Serbians opened the match on a 10-2 run, capitalizing off multiple turnovers for quick baskets, cutting on the left side, successfully posting up Jrue Holiday, and attacking Joel Embiid in drop coverage. Defensively, the Serbians hedged the pick-and-roll and deployed a full-court press in spurts. 

Team USA coach Steve Kerr called a stoppage, subbed out Embiid for Anthony Davis, and the group responded with its 12-point flurry.

Jokic took a break for his country after eight-and-a-half minutes, while they were up four points. As he walked to the bench, Durant checked in for the Americans. The latter instantly discharged six digits from the wings before the quarter expired. 

Then Durant kept burning, curling into the lane for a pull-up jumper, isolating his man at the top for a trifecta, swishing a corner banger and canning another bomb off the dribble.

Jokić checked back in with eight minutes left in the first half as Serbia was down nine marks. Immediately, the squad’s intensity elevated as its engine roared. The NBA’s reigning MVP scored twice at close range and buried a right-wing catch-and-shoot 3-pointer in Embiid’s face.

The closest the Serbians got was within two points in the last two minutes of the half. Next, the Stars and Stripes were up 58-49 at intermission.

Subsequently, Team USA took over the match in the third quarter with its unforgiving defense, permitting 16 points. On the other side, James and Co. proceeded to carve up their rivals, outscoring them by 10 marks. 

The fourth quarter began with Team USA ahead 84-65. From that point, Devin Booker, Holiday, Curry and James carried the Americans to the finish line. 

Team USA won 110-84. Durant had 23 points on eight of nine looks, with two rebounds and a turnover. James provided 21 marks on 69% accuracy, with nine assists, eight rebounds and six turnovers. The rest of the double-digit scorers were Holiday (15), Booker (12), Curry (11) and Anthony Edwards (11).

For the Serbians, Jokić supplied 20 points on eight of 15 attempts, with five rebounds, eight assists and four turnovers. The other double-digit scorers were Bogdan Bogdanović (14), Ognjen Dobrić (13), Vasilije Micić (11) and Aleksa Avramović (10).

Durant handled the on-court interview and was asked about meshing with James and Curry. He said, “We had to build that camaraderie and that trust pretty quickly. Everyone is playing for one another, moving the ball, defensively talking to each other. It’s the pinnacle of basketball when you do that.”

 

Other notable stuff:

 

Dwyane Wade was on the NBC broadcast, providing fun and notable analysis. As he’s transitioned well into another business, his old pal and teammate, the timeless James, is still squashing opponents. 

The Heat’s Nikola Jović still has lots of work to do as a half-court scorer. He needs to be more than a release valve on the kickout. 

It’s special to have Durant and  Curry as teammates again in important games. These mobile snipers were one of the top partnerships in NBA history, winning back-to-back titles. 

James’ connection with Edwards for a lob from mid-court was one of the game’s best plays. 

Embiid barking at an opponent while his loaded team was up 10 points was a disgrace. 

 

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: WNBA Observations at the Olympic break

/1 Comment/in , /by

The WNBA is at a recess until mid-August for the Olympics, but so far, through 62.5% of the season, some ladies have separated themselves from their peers. A former MVP is hellbent on seizing her crown. The rookie class is outstanding, with multiple All-Stars. And tons of people are watching- the All-Star Game on Saturday had its largest audience ever, which was a 305% increase from 2023, and the match between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky on June 23 was the most-viewed WNBA game in 23 years, per ESPN Press Room.

 

Let’s review the difference-makers in the league…

 

A’ja Wilson is having a season for the ages:

She’s the most dominant force in the league and cannot be stopped with double teams or physical action. Wilson is on pace to have the highest-scoring season in WNBA history, surpassing Jewell Loyd’s 2023 campaign with the Seattle Storm. And she’ll easily outdo Sylvia Fowles’ 2018 rebounding record (404) if she keeps the pace of snagging 12 nightly. Note: the WNBA season was 34 games in 2018 instead of 40 now. Even at a 34-match clip, Wilson is on track to claim the glass crown by a few boards. 

The Las Vegas Aces are a loaded outfit with four stars and last season’s Sixth Woman of the Year winner, Alysha Clark, but they struggled without the help of W’s top playmaker, Chelsea Gray. In that span, the reigning Finals MVP (Wilson) carried the group, but it was to a 6-6 record. It’s unclear how much the voters will punish her for that. Yet, she’s a massive favorite in the sportsbooks to win her third MVP trophy.  DraftKings and FanDuel have her odds at -3000. Caesars Sportsbook has her at -3500.  

On defense, Wilson is a shot blocker, which means she stays in the backline unless caught in a switch or covering an outside option. Still, she can hedge to contest in time, but if her teammates aren’t maneuvering past screens well then Wilson is compromised. 

Wilson is averaging 27.2 points on 52.2% accuracy for the season, including 39.5% from deep, with 12 boards, 2.9 blocks, 1.9 steals and 2.4 assists per game.  

Since Gray’s comeback, her first outing since Oct. 15, 2023 (Game 3 of the Finals), Wilson is putting up 26.4 points on 53% shooting, with 36.4% from 3-point range, 12.4 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, two steals and 2.2 assists. 

 

Not many guards better than Caitlin Clark: 

Caitlin Clark ended the rookie of the year race in July with her triple-double in a win against the New York Liberty and her 19-assist outing in a loss versus the Dallas Wings. Her helpings output is the new WNBA record, passing Courtney Vandersloot’s 18 against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 31, 2020. The only other players to register a triple-double this season are Alyssa Thomas (2) and Layshia Clarendon (1).

She is the most doubled perimeter player in the league, yet seven ballers ((with at least 20 games played) are logging a higher usage percentage (Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Chennedy Carter, A’ja Wilson and Kahleah Copper).

Clark is a superior playmaker to all of them because of her impact on her teammates and she’s the flashiest passer in the W, despite her high turnover count. To boot, the twice AP Player of the Year, is first in assists, first in double-doubles by a guard and third in minutes averaged. 

In transition, Clark will advance upcourt, producing herself or hitting a teammate in stride for an easy basket. Her most effective scoring method is attacking the rim, converting 63.2% of those attempts and that spot is second in her shot diet. Jumpers, pull-ups and step-back looks are taken with higher frequency, but supplied at an ineffectual rate, partly because of how close she is covered. Still, she’s tied for third in the league with Ogunbowale in 3-point baskets (71).

As her rookie campaign has progressed, she’s improved her assist/turnover numbers (2.27 through six games in July). That stat sits at a low 1.47 for the season, yet 99 of her 145 turnovers came from bad passes, per Basketball Reference.

So far, the latest number-one overall pick has been better than advertised, and her work is electrifying. Anyone who doubted her skills was worthy enough to make TEAM USA when the roster was released should review the fundamentals.

 

Chennedy Carter’s comeback is the best story this season:

The Atlanta Dream drafted Chennedy Carter fourth overall in 2020, but she didn’t last with the club because of conduct issues. Her next stop in Los Angeles ended prematurely for the same reason and she was out of the league in 2023. But this year, Carter is back and she’s been one of the best in the business and is at the top of her squad. 

Coach Teresa Weatherspoon initially had her coming off the bench for the first 12 games and then wised up because no one on the team breaks down a defender like her. The deep shot isn’t one of her weapons, but she supplies 72% of attempts in the restricted area, taking 29.8% of tries from that zone. Also of note: Carter hasn’t been a reserve since June 14, and she’s still second in bench points scored (155), trailing Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (185).

As a starter (12 games), Carter averages an insufficient 30.3 minutes per game. The former Aggie needs more time because she is likely the fastest player in the league with the ball, allowing her to create separation against her matchup without a screen. Her burst also establishes a lethal pick-and-roll ball handler option.

Her top game of the year was a winning effort on July 16 in Las Vegas against the Aces. Carter was the best guard in a game that featured Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. She scored on backdoor cuts, mid range jumpers, drivebys and fastbreak opportunities.

Not all young people are ready to be professionals when they land a top gig because they are late bloomers, too. Carter is capitalizing on her chance at redemption and becoming the player she was destined to be.

 

Marina Mabrey on the Connecticut Sun: 

Marina Mabrey asking out of Chicago is an organizational failure because the team was more talented than its record indicated.

Before the exchange that brought Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun for Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, and two first-round picks, the squad had a puncher’s chance to come out of the East. The New York Liberty is still favored, but the Sun is a more formidable rival with extra firepower.

Mabrey’s shooting splits aren’t stellar, as she is more of a wildcard sniper, but she catches lots of attention and sets up her teammates well. A third of her made triples were unassisted, and she led the Sky in assists before the trade, too. 

For Connecticut, the scoring burden is loosened off DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones and DiJonai Carrington’s shoulders because of Mabrey’s gravity plus scoring competence. Alyssa Thomas doesn’t have to work as hard to get them involved, which should conserve some of her energy for the fourth quarter as well.

The Sun made the right move to maximize its championship window by bringing in a player not far from All-Star caliber. She might blossom into one playing on a squad as deep and well-coached as Connecticut’s.

 

Further comments:

Angel Reese is a winning player and an All-Star rookie. She’s a high-level defender, gets others open with screens, limits opponents’ possessions and buys more for her team by pounding the glass. She’ll ascend into the league’s first echelon when she polishes her scoring near the rim and connects on open jumpers regularly. 

Don’t underestimate the Minnesota Lynx. The recent Commissioner’s Cup champs are the top defense and passing unit in the WNBA but are weak on the glass. 

It’s a lost season for the Wings as its record sits at 6-19. Satou Sabally’s shoulder injury has decimated the defense and the offense lacks significant help. Wings games this season are about watching Ogunbowale, who leads the WNBA in minutes (38.4,  field goal attempts (20.1) and steals (2.7), try to drag her team to the finish line. 

—

For more insights on the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off the Floor.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Indiana Fever failed to get stops in the fourth quarter of Caitlin Clark’s record-setting night

/1 Comment/in , /by

The Indiana Fever faltered, getting beat in a late shootout after being down double-digits in the first half. Caitlin Clark registered a career-high and WNBA record with 19 helpings and scored easily. Aliyah Boston was dominant early. But the depleted Wings were the nastier team in the fourth quarter, connecting on three triples and only allowing the opponent one trip to the charity line.

 

“We took their punches, and we punched back, and we ended up with a W,” Arise Ogunbowale said at her mid-court, postgame interview. 

 

The visitors were stuck in quicksand on defense through two quarters, giving up 36 paint points on 16 of 22 baskets. Additionally, Ogunbowale swished jumpers off the dribble and catch. Plus Odyssey Sims made two 3-pointers, put back her missed layup, scored twice on the break, cut on the left side for a bucket, dribbled by NaLyssa Smith for a basket and defended Clark. 

 

But Clark and Boston sliced a 16-point deficit in half, scoring the last 22 points of their club in the first half. They logged 13 of 20 attempts. The rest of the squad’s accuracy was 33%.

 

The Fever was down 46-54 at intermission but had lost the ball 10 times. Additionally, the group had 30 paint points, five on the break, 13 off turnovers, six via second chances and four from the bench.

 

The Wings had 36 interior points, 14 on the break, 20 off turnovers, five on extra tries and seven from the reserves.

 

Next, the Fever was down 11 points a few minutes into the third quarter.

 

Subsequently, Clark canned a right corner triple behind Boston’s pindown, dribbled left from the top of the key to the hoop for a one-foot shot, and had five assists to Katie Lou Samuelson, Kelsey Mitchell, NaLyssa Smith and Boston. Her prettiest feed was a behind-the-back pass to Smith for a layup.

 

Smith added a transition score, a putback and seven boards. And defensively, the Fever held the Wings to six of 18 baskets in the third quarter by closing out to snipers on time and pressuring the ball entry.

 

The fourth quarter began with the Fever down 70-72. Clark already had 20 points and 13 rebounds, making it her third game in a week with a double-double. She followed up with assists to Damiris Dantas and Boston on pick-and-roll sets, dished to Lexie Hull in the corner on the break, found Boston ahead on two transition seals and hit Kelsey Mitchell on left wing for a 3-pointer. Furthermore, Clark caught the rock behind a flare screen on the left side and dribbled down the baseline for a deuce and produced on a quick post up on Sims.

 

Boston supplied three baskets at close range plus Mitchell made both of her shots at close and long distance.

 

But the fourth-quarter defense was horrendous. The Fever gave up the corner after blitzing Ogunbowale then allowed Jacy Sheldon to take an uncontested right-wing banger because Mitchell overplayed Sims’ entry dribble. And with fewer than three minutes left, Sims dropped in one of those of course shots from 26 feet away that bounced off the back iron and straight down the nylon.

 

Afterward, Ogunbowale tossed up a wild, successful turnaround shot with Hull covering cleanly to put the Wings ahead four points in the last 45 seconds. Clark responded futilely, dribbling down the court, but got her pocket picked by Howard, and Sims slid to the ground for it.

 

The Fever lost 93-101.

 

The Fever had 62 paint points, 14 on the break, 17 off turnovers, 11 via second chances and 12 from the bench.

 

Clark logged 24 points on 10 of 19 attempts, with 19 dimes, six rebounds and six turnovers. Boston put up 28 digits on 78.6% accuracy, with eight boards, three assists and four blocks. Mitchell scored 16 points on six of 10 tries and picked up two rebounds, one assist and two turnovers.  And Smith had 12 points on 41.7% shooting, with 12 rebounds and four turnovers.

 

The Wings had 50 interior marks, 22 on the break, 28 off turnovers, 11 via extra tries and 15 from the reserves.

 

Ogunbowale tallied 24 points on eight of 21 shots, with seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two turnovers. Sims contributed 24 marks on 58.8% shooting, with three rebounds, nine assists, one steal, one block and a turnover. The other double-digit scorers were Natasha Howard (17), Kalani Brown (13), Sheldon (11) and Teaira McCowan (10).

 

The match had eight lead changes and 11 ties.

 

At the postgame presser, Boston said the Wings got “easy buckets they didn’t need.”

 

Clark downplayed her record and said, “The late turnover definitely kills, for sure. They were up pressuring me, so then I kind of got behind them to attack, but I tried to pull [the ball] out and lost my handle while getting poked from behind…”

—

For more insights about the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off the Floor.